Jamie Foxx in Talks to Star as 'Daddy Warbucks' Character in Annie Remake

Character Will Reportedly be Named "Benjamin Stacks"

While previous reports pointed to Justin Timberlake as stepping into the role of the wealthy businessman who takes in Little Orphan Annie, The Hollywood Reporter reveals that Jamie Foxx is now in talks to star as a modernized version of the character. What’s more, in keeping with the reboot’s more modern feel, the reports said the character will be renamed Benjamin Stacks.

Though Foxx has yet to receive an offer from Sony, sources said the negotiation process is underway.

If cast, Foxx will star alongside Beasts of the Southern Wild Quvenzhane Wallis, who stepped into the film after original star Willow Smith supposedly became too old to play the role. Smith’s high-profile parents—Will and Jada-Pinkett—will continue to produce alongside Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter, who will provide the film’s soundtrack.

The film will be directed by Easy A/Friends with Benefits filmmaker Will Gluck, who will be working from a recently revised script by actress/writer Emma Thompson and Aline Brosh McKenna